Matthew 16_13_20

The Gospel is the Foundation for Salvation Vs. 13-16

Ex. The Gospel is seen in the confession of Peter. This confession is foundational to the Gospel and the Gospel is foundational to Salvation.

Who do people say I am?

2000 years ago… A great Prophet (Intertestamental period)

John the Baptist (the greatest) (His message)

Elijah (picture of Jesus)

Jeremiah (the weeping prophet) (His message) Jer. 31:34

2000 years later (today)

Historical figure

Religious leader

A good man

Who do you say that I am?

Peters confession

The Christ (Christos = Messiah)

Son of the Living God

Previous confessions

The Principle. “We have found the Messiah” John 1:41

“Certainly, this is the Son of God” Matt. 14:33

“The Holy One of God” John 6:68-69 (Bread of life Sermon)

Personal Confession (the difference between the confessions)

Jesus asked for this one

It was not an emotional response to a miracle (Shallow)

It was the studied and sincere response of one taught by God

Personal

ILL. This is the Gospel which means Good News = euangelion – It is the declaration of a great victory or the crowning of a new king. Picture yourself in Rome and all the citizens have gathered because a runner has come into the city and he is shouting at the top of his lungs. “There is a new King, There is a new King” There is great celebration in the streets. The Gospel message is that there is a new king.

APP. How do you say that Jesus is? The proclamation of the Gospel, your confession of Jesus as Christ is foundational to your salvation.

Romans 10:9

Trans: What a confession of faith. Now that this confession has been made and the Disciples understand Jesus identity Jesus is ready to give them more truth. It is going to tell them of His purpose.

The Gospel is the Foundation for the Church Vs. 17-18

Ex. With the hearts correct on the Identity of Jesus. Jesus begins to explain to the twelve His true purpose. Not Conquering King but the Builder of the Church.

The Blessing of Revelation (To be celebrated, to be envied)

Not from Flesh and Blood (Man)

From God (John 6:44)

The confession on which the Church is Built

The Church (Ekklesia) =Called out

The Rock

Petros (Peter/Little Rock)

Petra (Boulder)

Jesus is revealing something new to the Disciples. The joining of Jew and Gentile to form a new Temple. The Body! In which each member is a “living stone” (1 Peter 2:5). and Jesus is the Corner stone that holds it all together.

The Church is built on the Rock, Jesus! The foundation was laid by the prophets and the apostles as they preached Jesus Christ to the Lost. Eph. 2:20

The life of the Church

The Definitions

Gates = Power stronghold

Hades = Realm of the Dead/Not Hell

The Resurrection

Satan couldn’t stop Jesus. The realm of the Dead couldn’t hold Jesus! By Jesus’ death and Resurrection He conquered death so that death would not have a hold on any of His people.

APP. Jesus didn’t come to establish His kingdom on earth but to build His Church through the conviction brought about by the Gospel. Not death nor Satan can stop it but they will persecute it. Set your eyes on the Gospel message and incline your heart to the Gospel Message living your life in the Hope of Jesus as a part of His called out assembly.